Eco Factor: Outdoor umbrella generates power for recharging portable devices.
Konarka Technologies, an innovator in development and commercialization of Power Plastic (a material that converts light to energy), is working to make sure that power for your portable devices is available anywhere. The firm entered into a technology partnership with SKYShades one year ago and lately, SKYShades received its first shipment of Konarka Power Plastic thin film. SKYShades is one of the global leaders in supplying shade and tension membrane structures. This lightweight thin film, which converts light to energy, will be used by SKYShades to create the Powerbrella, an innovative way to charge your laptop, cellphone or other portable devices outdoors.
Designed for use at outdoor venues such as cafés and restaurants, hotel and resort swimming pools and outdoor lounges, the Powerbrella incorporates the Power Plastic on the surface of SKYShades’ retractable and fixed architectural SKYbrella. Testing for the Powerbrella has been done in 2008 at Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando. Physics students at Lake Highland checked the effectiveness of the Powerbrella to withstand the elements, its ability to generate clean green energy and the amount of resulting power that could be stored in batteries for reuse.
Other than generating energy from the solar panels, the Powerbrella will also offer people coverage from the sun. The Powerbrella is expected to go on sale by Q3 of 2009.
Taming the jungles in your backyard definitely requires some patience, especially if you’re doing that during summers. Those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their air-conditioned living rooms for the sake of a clean garden must try the Southern RobotX. Equipped with tank-like treads, the lean machine can tackle just about any terrain and with the effective cutting units, the system promises you clean lawn in just minutes.
The unit is operated by a remote control, which features an easy-to-use joystick. The feature that attracts us most is its self-charging system that approximately consumes 40% less fuel than a conventional ride-on lawnmower. The system is powered by an electric motor, the batteries of which are recharged by the gas motor which is used to power the cutting unit, so you don’t always have to worry about a dead battery leaving the mowing job half done.
Eco Factor: Sharp’s new LCD consumes just 60KWh annually.
Sharp has announced an update on its Aquos line of LCD’s with energy-efficiency as the main focus. The new TVs out from the manufacturing line will be more efficient than the predecessors. Sharp claims that the TVs feature a resolution of 1366X768 with a contrast ratio of 3000:1 on the 32” model and 1500:1 on the other 26” and 20” models. The TVs are made from green plastic and consume just 60KWh of electricity annually, which is 6 KWh less than the earlier models of the same range.
The Dark Side:
Energy savings of just 6KWh annually won’t have much of an environmental impact. However, the TVs are ideal for you to start your green life.
Eco Factor:Solar-powered air conditioning systems.
The best way to get rid of blackouts during heat waves is to use the energy from the sun to cool your home. Researchers at the Australian National University have done just that by developing solar air-conditioning systems. The systems, which are currently in the testing phase, will be able to reduceenergy load, especially during the peak hours of the day.
Apart from the use in air conditioning during summers, the same solar modules can also be used to heat your home in winter and provide you with solar-heatedwater as well. The reduction of load on the grid during peak hours will enable the grids to perform better and provide uninterrupted power for more important processes that require less but a consistent supply of electricity.
The Dark Side:
The use of solar air conditioning will definitely be a boon for the masses and the grid as well. However, depending on just solar energy, which is highly inconsistent, won’t have that much of an impact. If solar energy is coupled with some other forms of renewable energy like the wind, it can cater to a broader market.
Earlier today we wrote about a golf club powered cellphone charger concept, and here we are again with yet another innovation in alternative energy sources. Easy Energy has announced a foot-powered laptop charger called the Yogen Max, which not only powers a laptop but is just as good for other devices such as PMPs, cellphones and digital cameras. The details on how long one needs to pump for a full charge are currently not available, but the device is scheduled to release sometime next year.
